Melbourne Storm today launched its NYC Thunderbolts jerseys for the upcoming season and the designs both have a real Sunshine Coast flavour.

Produced by the club’s apparel partner STAR, the jerseys feature local Sunshine Coast organisations and businesses, including Sunshine Coast Council and Sunshine Coast Airport, who have thrown their support behind the Thunderbolts as sponsors in 2016.

The Sunshine Coast Council logo appears on the lower back of the under-20s’ home jersey while the away jersey features Sunshine Coast Airport branding.

Council CEO Michael Whittaker said the jerseys would help to publicise the Coast and its connection with the Storm to a wider audience.

“We’re looking forward to these outstanding young footballers representing not only Melbourne Storm, but also the Sunshine Coast in 2016,” Mr Whittaker said.

“Combined with our Intrust Super Cup team, the Falcons, there is plenty of high-quality rugby league to enjoy this season.”

Butler McDermott Lawyers has jumped on board as the front of jersey sponsor while the back of the jersey will feature Sunshine Coast-based construction company Vantage Homes.

Now based at Sunshine Coast Stadium, the Thunderbolts will play nine matches on the Coast in 2016.

Today’s announcement comes ahead of the Melbourne Storm’s trial match against Wests Tigers at the stadium on Saturday – the first time in seven years an NRL match has been played on the Sunshine Coast.

Local league fans will be treated to an action packed day of rugby league with the Thunderbolts taking part in a round-robin match-up trial against Storm’s feeder teams Easts Tigers and the Sunshine Coast Falcons from 2.30pm.

An open training session will then follow at 4.30pm where fans will be able to get a first hand look at the team before getting the chance to meet them during a 45-minute signing session after training.

The NYC Thunderbolts team will boast a wealth of local talent from the Sunshine Coast area. This is in line with Storm’s vision to provide emerging youngsters in the region with a clear pathway into the NRL system.

Last August, the club announced the formation of the Storm Academy, also to be based at the state-of-the-art facilities at Sunshine Coast Stadium.